Chapter 918: Hannah, Leave Me

The dinner table atmosphere grew tense following Susan's outburst. Unaware of the tension, Susan accused Oscar: "Every day you flaunt your love for your wife and daughter. Have you considered Hannah and Salem's feelings? Do you know what their lives are like while you three live happily together? Manuel traveled far for your daughter's hundred-day celebration, yet you don't even know Salem's?" She admitted, "I've forgotten it myself!"

Susan's discomfort grew with each word. She felt deeply sorry for Hannah, a proud woman reduced to dependence. Hannah didn't deserve this.

"Okay, Susan. It's not that bad," Hannah said gently. "I'm fine."

"I hate when you say that!" Susan retorted, eyes red. "It feels like your heart is bleeding, while you maintain a calm surface. You prioritize others' feelings, ignoring your own pain."

Hannah was speechless, once again feeling helpless. Yet, Susan's concern touched her deeply. Susan, a true friend, always defended herself and others against injustice.

Turning back to Oscar, Susan unleashed a barrage of accusations. "How can you hurt such a wonderful woman? Seeing Salem's lonely first birthday, without guests… how can you leave them without guilt?"

"Susan!" Hannah warned, then calmly added, "This is my choice, not Oscar's. Please stop."

"Why are you defending him? How much do you like him to endure this? He's married! It's been seven months since he's seen you and Salem. Even the strongest feelings would freeze! What sustains yours?"

Hannah felt hatred. Many things Susan didn't understand, yet her actions deeply moved Hannah.

"Manuel," Hannah called, seeking help.

Manuel, hesitant to escalate the situation, had wanted to take her away earlier. Now, he knew intervention was necessary.

"You're drunk. Let's go," Manuel said, gently pulling Susan.

"Don't touch me! I'm not afraid of Oscar, and neither should you be!" Susan declared defiantly.

"Be good, let's go home," Manuel coaxed.

"You can't seduce me!"

"...I'm not."

Manuel, speechless, scooped Susan into his arms when she refused to walk. Startled, she clung to him, then struggled, "Let me go!"

Manuel ignored her protests, carrying her away as their voices faded.

Justine watched them leave, then turned to Oscar, who had remained silent throughout.

"I'll check on Susan. She gets worked up," Justine said. "Don't worry."

"Thank you, Aunt Justine," Hannah said warmly. "I may have been harsh. Please comfort her for me."

"She'll be fine."

"Then I'll leave it."

"I'll be going."

"I apologize for the inconvenience," Hannah said, rising.

Justine smiled, aware of unspoken words. She couldn't advise Hannah and Oscar. While disrespectful, Susan had a point. Having chosen another family, Oscar shouldn't cause pain to another woman. He should let go.

Justine left, leaving Hannah, Oscar, and Miguel. Miguel soon departed.

"I'll help your mom with Sal."

"Thanks, Dad."

Alone at the table, they ate a small, elegant dinner amidst colorful lights. It was strangely romantic.

"Don't take Susan's words to heart," Hannah said lightly. "She speaks without thinking when she's had a drink."

Oscar watched her faint smile, a sense of acceptance in her bearing.

"Susan is right," Oscar said quietly. "I am selfish."

Hannah's heart skipped a beat, wondering if he'd reconciled himself to his family with Lillian, letting her go.

"Hannah," Oscar said slowly, "Leave me."

Hannah swallowed. It had come to this.

"Do you have feelings for Lillian?" she asked calmly.

His silence confirmed it. Between adults trying to save face, some things remained unspoken.

Hannah smiled slightly. "I see."

There was nothing more to do. She couldn't force him. Regretting their unspoken words, she accepted the outcome. Lillian had what she wanted; Hannah would let go of her unfulfilled desires – a past pursuit of forgetting him entirely.

"Then go home," Hannah said. Their contact should end.